Polymer Vs. Steel Frame
- Thread starter kuwarog
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10-Ring
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Both break, both fail, both are durable, both will last a lifetime of shooting. Me, I have both in my collection & trust both to serve if called into action. If I were to choose just one - to only have & abuse just one - I'd probably go w/ a German polygun 
The Canuck
Member
Polymer v. steel...
Well, the long and short of it is, it all depends upon the user's preference. Some prefer the steel frame over the polymer frame (myself included), others prefer the polymer frame, some like both and others don't give a hoot and use what they are issued.
I prefer the steel frame because I like a bit of weight to my handgun. Some prefer the lighter weight of a polymer frame. Both are quite strong and both types will last quite a long time if cared for properly. Obviously there are exceptions for both...
Well, the long and short of it is, it all depends upon the user's preference. Some prefer the steel frame over the polymer frame (myself included), others prefer the polymer frame, some like both and others don't give a hoot and use what they are issued.
I prefer the steel frame because I like a bit of weight to my handgun. Some prefer the lighter weight of a polymer frame. Both are quite strong and both types will last quite a long time if cared for properly. Obviously there are exceptions for both...
GunNut
Member
Depends on the manufacture.
There are a lot of crappy polymer framed guns and a lot of crappy steel framed guns that have been produced and are currently produced.
Quality Polymer or Steel guns are great, and a person would be well served by either or both.
Steve
There are a lot of crappy polymer framed guns and a lot of crappy steel framed guns that have been produced and are currently produced.
Quality Polymer or Steel guns are great, and a person would be well served by either or both.
Steve
rockstar.esq
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Single most irritating reason to dislike polyguns: The friggin "checkering" is slick, non tractive, and requires melting to be fixed
Steel frames often allow for replacement grips which allows for a little customization. Personally I enjoy alloy framed autos because the weight difference between them and polyguns is minimal but all the steel frame benefits still apply!
Oh and for some unknown reason the grip angle on polyguns all seem to be more Lugerish no matter what caliber. Seriously, if they'd change the grip angle and the superslick surface they'd have well, a Kel Tec! As it happens that's also the only polygun in my inventory.
Steel frames often allow for replacement grips which allows for a little customization. Personally I enjoy alloy framed autos because the weight difference between them and polyguns is minimal but all the steel frame benefits still apply!
Oh and for some unknown reason the grip angle on polyguns all seem to be more Lugerish no matter what caliber. Seriously, if they'd change the grip angle and the superslick surface they'd have well, a Kel Tec! As it happens that's also the only polygun in my inventory.
CountGlockula
Member
Only difference I can tell you is that Polymer is much lighter.
If you don't like the steep grip angle of a Glock, the XD is pretty much the same gun with a 1911 grip angle.
And the poly guns are usually significantly lighter if you actually look at the specs.
It's just personal preference. Some people like steel, some like poly. Some people like guns with a big hammer sticking out of the back, some think that's archaic in an auto. Some people like .45, some like 9mm.
What I'd like to know:
How come every guy who loves 1911s and steel guns and .45s sounds like a grumpy old man who wouldn't change his mind about something if Albert Einstein rose from the grave and told him he was an idiot?
How come every guy who loves Glocks and poly guns and 9mms seems to have trouble with basic grammar and acts like he's about 12 years old?
And the poly guns are usually significantly lighter if you actually look at the specs.
It's just personal preference. Some people like steel, some like poly. Some people like guns with a big hammer sticking out of the back, some think that's archaic in an auto. Some people like .45, some like 9mm.
What I'd like to know:
How come every guy who loves 1911s and steel guns and .45s sounds like a grumpy old man who wouldn't change his mind about something if Albert Einstein rose from the grave and told him he was an idiot?
How come every guy who loves Glocks and poly guns and 9mms seems to have trouble with basic grammar and acts like he's about 12 years old?
Mad Chemist
Member
Search function, use it.
GHF
Member
Polymer Vs. Metal
Assuming that the weapon fits your hand well and the weight is ok, the poly/metal question then moves to surface rust possibilities.
In hot, humid places like Florida, polymer is a better choice. My Beretta is polymer, I carry it everywhere it is legal, and the metal parts that drive me nuts are the magazines, especially the spare. The surface rusting....
Assuming that the weapon fits your hand well and the weight is ok, the poly/metal question then moves to surface rust possibilities.
In hot, humid places like Florida, polymer is a better choice. My Beretta is polymer, I carry it everywhere it is legal, and the metal parts that drive me nuts are the magazines, especially the spare. The surface rusting....
I'm about 50/50 in my collection in frame materials.
I like the poly for reduced cost & weight and I tend to be less concerned about cosmetic damage to the poly's than metal.
I like the added weight of metal and the appearance for handguns that are more than just tools to me. I mean that I like them (metal frames) for their traditional look.
Hey, here's a question: Are their any poly-framed revolvers? Only the cylinder and barrel and some other moving parts need to be metal. The rest could be poly - yes?
I like the poly for reduced cost & weight and I tend to be less concerned about cosmetic damage to the poly's than metal.
I like the added weight of metal and the appearance for handguns that are more than just tools to me. I mean that I like them (metal frames) for their traditional look.
Hey, here's a question: Are their any poly-framed revolvers? Only the cylinder and barrel and some other moving parts need to be metal. The rest could be poly - yes?
If I were to choose just one - to only have & abuse just one - I'd probably go w/ a German polygun
Can't disagree there. I'm a big HK fan myself.
It really depends on your use. For me, I might carry my gun around for 20 hours a day so I'll want something light to carry around. Weight/size are big factors for me. But say if you're LEO and you open carry for "regular" 8 hour shifts, weight might not be a big factor to you. But for me, it is because I can be sitting in my car, walking around, running, sitting in an office, anything...
P97
Member
Have both, like both, and shoot both. Prefer the polymer for carrying in both rifle and pistol because of weight, but at the range like to shoot all.
yongxingfreesty
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- 1,396
have both, can shoot both well enough to my standards. for a 1911, i would prefer steel.
something for carry, maybe polymer.
something for carry, maybe polymer.
Lou22
Member
I carry mostly a Kahr PM9 or Kel-tec P3AT, both polymer. I believe the polymer absorbs enough recoil to a least compensate for the lower weight. I also have a Taurus 905 9mm revolver that seems to kick harder that the PM9 with the same ammo. And the 905 weighs about 10oz more. I believe the locked-breech of the PM9 also aborbs recoil, which of course the Taurus does not do.
Lou
Lou
BevrFevr
Member
split the difference
steel frame, plastic barrel.
-bev4
steel frame, plastic barrel.
-bev4
Youngster
Member
I don't like the top heaviness and ever so slightly mushy feel of a lot of polymer guns.
thebaldguy
Member
Have both, like both. I must admit that a polymer frame with a stainless slide is a great combo. Lightweight and fairly resistant to rust.
Autolycus
Member
I like the polymer for carry but the steel for a range gun.
GunNut +1
Both platforms can be wonderful, and both platforms can be junk. The manufacturer makes the difference. I love my Glocks, and I love my Colts. I barely tolerate my one and only remaining Kimber (Warrior). The only reason I have not sold it is I don't want to lose any money.
Both platforms can be wonderful, and both platforms can be junk. The manufacturer makes the difference. I love my Glocks, and I love my Colts. I barely tolerate my one and only remaining Kimber (Warrior). The only reason I have not sold it is I don't want to lose any money.
[email protected]
member
Split the difference and get an alloy framed gun. Best of both worlds. Love the Beretta, SIGs and S&Ws.
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